There are two basic, simple, and clear exhortations, ( or encouragements to live and act as we ought to do and be ) in these two verses. Additionally, there is a reason having to do with something other then ourselves given by God.
See below.
1Pet 2:11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
1Pet 2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Beloved is a favorite term used by NT writers to describe how our Lord views and considers His children to be. "Beloved" Also translated, "dearly beloved, and well beloved, and dear. It means that God esteems you, and it was used when wanting to say that something was worthy of love.
But, here's the exhortation.....we are being begged by the apostle Peter, to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. Abstain, means to hold one's self off, to refrain from. To say no to the evil desires that come from within, the passions of our flesh, that are literally waging war against our soul, the mind, or the new you. So, that's one thing to do with ourselves. Say no to our lower, or baser, or sinful self if you will.
Secondly, have our conduct, or to conduct yourselves day to day, honorably....or in the right way, or righteously, to live righteously, among the Gentiles, or the unsaved of this world.
Two reasons are given here. When they speak evil of you, and against you, ( which they surely were, and do today ) they may by your good works, or the right way that you are living, ( as they observe you ) which they were then, and are today, that they may Glorify God in the day of visitation.
Unbelievers will slander those who believe, they will call what you are doing evil and wrong. But, as they witness your good deeds, in what Peter calls the day of visitation.
That could be the day these unbelievers come under conviction, and their eyes are opened to see what you truly are, or it could be reference to the day of Judgement. They will admit it on that day, that you lived the right way, and it will bring honor to the Lord, who has saved you and worked in your life.
Well, that's plenty to think about today, and to digest, and to put into practice.
Application/Promise
1. Thank You God for making it clear to us.
2. Thank You that You help us say no.
3. Thank You for explaining the war.
4. Thank You Lord for a right path to walk on.
5. Thank You Lord saving us.
6. Thank You Lord for allowing us to be a light.
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